#2ndchat Archive
#2ndchat is a Twitter hashtag that can be used to chat, collaborate, and grow with other second grade educators from around the world. Every other week we will discuss a different topic. It's a great way to help grow your PLN (Professional/Personal Learning Network) and share ideas with others.
Wednesday July 27, 2016
HI! WELCOME TO ! Introduce yourself and share your grade level & location!
Hi My name is Jayme Bement and I am 2nd grade in the mehlville schooldistrict
I'm Carol from Birmingham, AL! I teach 2nd grade and I'm excited to learn about STEM!
hi i'm Chris Woods of ...i teach HS Math in Calumet Michigan (way up north)
Michelle! 2nd grade teacher in Dearborn heights Michigan
Thanks for hosting tonight (especially from way up north)!
I'm Molly from Dallas, TX. I am coming off of 4 wonderful years in 2nd and transitioning to Elem. Title I Teacher.
Hi friends! I'm Karen from Alabama.
Hi, Michelle! You did it! YEAH!
Christopher Gibbs, Volusia County Schools
WOO HOO! Welcome, Sam! Glad you dropped in!
Hi !! Amanda from Birmingham! Excited to be talking tonight!!
so glad you're calling us friends!
Janie Hachen, 2nd grade, Andover, Kansas Hi everyone!
Yeah! Hi, Amanda! Glad you are here!
Hey, Janie! Happy you are here!
Awesome! I love MacGyver! great example of
Hi my name is Dawn. I teach k-5 science in Indy.
Let me introduce our awesome host tonight! Tonight we are fortunate to be joined by Chris Woods, . So excited!
just about ready for 1st question...
but first, thanks for having me here, i love getting teachers/kids/parents excited about STEM
Hi Dawn! Welcome! So excited to have you join us tonight!
Sara from Florida. Moving from 2nd to Media w/ a STEM focus this year.
4th grade teacher from MN :)
Hi Sara! Welcome! That will be a fun job!
Welcome! We are so glad you are here!
...and if you ever want to do more talking/sharing STEM i'm always happy to chat...i also do a STEM podcast & Presenting
Hello! I'm a 5th grade teacher from MO
Hey, - Sheryl from KY. Taught 2nd grade for 2 years, moving back up to 3rd this school year. Excited to be here for the 1st time!
See how awesome he is???? https://t.co/5Cq3vaVEtD
...and if you ever want to do more talking/sharing STEM i'm always happy to chat...i also do a STEM podcast & Presenting
Hi, Sheryl! Welcome! We are excited that you are here for the 1st time!
A1- science, technology, math
A1: Hands-on, Engaging, fun
I think of Science, Technology, education
We will follow the Q/A format. Q1 will be answered with A1. Q2 will be answered by A2 and so on...
A1: creating, innovating, inspiring
A1: Creativity, Problem Solving, and building.
Stephanie from Rose Hill Kansas!!
A1: engaging, challenging, open-ended
A1: Inquiry, collaboration, and problem solving
A1: Science,Tech, engineering
you asked for 3 words- not 4!
😛
I like that...collaboration
A1 I think hands-on, innovation, future
A1: Designing Building Testing
A1: cont. I would have said math and fun too!!
Innovation, critical thinking, engineering
You are getting to add more words. :)
"Designing building testing"...spoken like a true MacGyver fan!
A1: inquiry, technology, collaboration
A1: hands-on, engaging, collaboration
A1: hands-on... Interaction... Creativity
lots of great answers to Q1...hands on, collab, Designing, crit thinking...fun. i hope these are the words that our kids think of
Hi there. Joining late. Mollie from Ohio.
glad you're here Mollie...we're on Q2...is STEM only for Geeks, Nerds, Trekkies...
A2: No! I was always surprised by who took charge/excelled at STEM. During the year, each S was successful @ 1 time or another.
P.S. The new Star Trek movie is pretty great! ;-)
A2: I sure hope not!ha! No...all students and educators.
yes! it has to be ALL...but thats sometimes the hard part
STEM is for everyone. Especially the geeks and Trekkies. Need to learn to analyze, adjust and problem solve.
A2: No way! I was always impressed with the Ss who bloomed when doing a STEM activity
A2 NO! STEM is for ANY mind. We are able to do so much when we open our minds up to any possibility
A2: No, everyone can succeed and enjoy challenges that are engaging, fun & involve design & creativity!
A2: STEM is for everyone🤗.
A2: It is for anyone who likes to explore, build, problem solve and create
A2: STEM transcends all social groups!
I hope not!! I think STEM is for anyone who is up for fun exciting engaging creativity
A2: Isn't that beauty of STEM? It has a little of everything for everyone?
A2: I wanted to say No, but there is clearly a population of Ss who I lose in certain area. The benefits outweigh not doing it.
A2 STEM is for problem solvers. You don't need to be a geek, but it may turn you into one. :)
A2: Since STEM integrates curriculum and incorporates different modalities- it can reach ALL learners.
A2: You do not have to be part of the Big, Bang Theory to succeed or like (but you will make me laugh if you act like them)
A2: No way. STEM is for people who love teaching & learning! Hands-on. Love it!
A2...so apparently everyone here says its for everyone...too bad it often gets stuffed in the nerd box though
Q2: Definitely not!! Even my low kids love being creative!
A2: I loved seeing some of my traditional academic strugglers SHINE at . :)
LOVE that you said all educators - this is key. How can we make STEM a part of EVERY classroom?
I heard a teacher talking about makerspaces and she said "It will be so good for the smart kids." :( SO SAD.
A3: The unknown!! I love exploration and creativity, but I am nervous about taking on something new
Yes! problem solvers and inquiring minds!
i have a student who doesnt get "good grades" that loves taking pics of STEM things & posting to my twitter
A3: I think some tchers struggle with what they feel will be out of control learning.Where they cannot predict the outcome. 1 of 2
A3: Takes too much time, No materials/which materials needed for projects? (These are not my feelings)
A3: That is what I love! I love being surprised by kids during these type of activities! 2 of 2
it has to be ALL educators...even english teachers, history has tons of awesome STEM, etc...
It is sad and makes me MAD too.
A3: Understanding, planning, haveng what you need.
A3: Keeping everyone engaged.
A3: It's scary, because you can't control it, but I think that's exciting!
it's hard to find a Sheldon Approved Restaurant near a Sheldon Approved Theatre with red icees.
Not being an "expert" in STEM
I agree it is hard to know what to do and having to figure out what you may need
A3 Science and Math seem to be subjects that scare people. Trying so hard to teach others about growth mindset.
I know! SO hard! :) LOVE It!
that Time thing is so difficult to overcome in so many teacher minds
A3: It can get messy and it doesn't follow a curriculum guide. It means a lot of conversation and noise. Some don't like that.
A3: It does take time and it doesn't fit in a neat little box. It takes creativity on the teacher's part too!
A3: Fine motor integration issues make the hands on part a challenge.
possibly the toughest part...especially when everything sounds noisy and mixed up
Hi! Welcome! I love when you to the chat.
we are always taking on so many things that I always feeled overwhelmed
Sorry. I forgot the part. Howard from SF Bay Area, CA. Full Inclusion K-9(10) school.
Welcome! We are so glad you are here!
My VERY favorite thing about experiences. So great seeing them take charge and take risks.
thank you ma'am me too busy day getting ready to start soon!
A3:I love seeing kids being engaged with science, but I'm not a science expert. Fear not knowing answers or the why.
even if we're "experts" we still dont know everything.have to say to kids sometimes "what do you think will happen?"
Just checking in now. Excited to join this group and I LOVE STEM projects!
A3- fitting STEM projects into an already jammed packed curriculum
When? We start school on Aug 8th.
Valid point https://t.co/0hW9U0M2L7
A3:I love seeing kids being engaged with science, but I'm not a science expert. Fear not knowing answers or the why.
Hi, Lauri! I love hearing about your STEM projects!
tell me your classroom doesnt look like this!
it’s hard to get away from teaching it all, and instead give more power to students for their own learning and discoveries.
I think there's power in telling the kids "I don't know but I want to go find out. Let's go!" :)
A3: I think inexperience on the T's part is scary to them. If only they'd realize that magic happens when Ss are free to explore.
True...we have to@let go and let them take the reins
Welcome! These guys have some awesome STEM programs...think Penpals + STEM + Toms Shoes
hehehehe not in a long time
ugh...hate the "jam packed curriculum"
Thanks for this info-it sounds awesome!
me too!! I wish we could focus on one thing at a time.
thank you i felt like it fit 😀
Yes!! Great strength on the teacher's part to admit that he or she doesn't know.
Agreed good point! It promotes growth mindset.
It drives me CRAZY! How about teaching the "jam" packed curriculum in a way that makes sense & not isolated!????
and yet that discovering can often be the best =, most inspiring "teaching" they might ever get
AND so liberating realizing that she doesn't HAVE to know (sometimes it's better she doesn't).
how do we get away from it with standards based testing?
A3 Definitely teacher inexperience & fitting it into the schedule. Both scary & overwhelming.
They need to see that we don't know everything. We are still learning!
Learning WITH my students= my favorite moments in my classroom with my Ss.
That's hard for teachers to admit
True!! STEM takes time and we are always short on time.
I agree this can be but if we can see how to tie things together it would save time & the learning is deeper!
We are constantly learning and it is so important for the kids to know that! It helps them knowing they aren't alone!
But the benefits academically, socially, etc. make the time spent on SO worth it! :-)
But it should be. We can't know EVERYTHING! Focus on how to find answers. :)
I agree! That is what the kids say they liked best about the year!
A3- also space limitations for projects. I teach 6 grade levels- where do I put all this stuff?
A5: It shows up in my Hour of Empower. Ss passion projects, it is what they want to do.
Problem Solving at it's finest!
STEM = Dessert = Candy = Toys = Christmas Morning
A5: I have a pbl in which the students build a wind resistant house (hair dryer, then leaf blower) for the 3 pigs. 1 of 2
that is what we need to be taught
wow! 6 grade levels! you deserve a raise!
A5: Each building material has a cost and they have a budget of $800. The houses are amazing! 2 of 2
A5: Novel Engineering, punkin chunkin, weather projects, when lessons go off topic..etc
love how kids get so excited to learn about their passions!
A5-Ss design vehicles out of knex, bird feeders out of milk jugs, build circuits
I hate to admit it, but I am a STEM virgin😬
I find copy boxes make great places to hold in projects in progress. The lids keep it all safe and neat. :)
A5: I have tied to science content (district pacing/curric. resources), literacy experiences (3 Little Pigs), & holidays.
That's why you are here! We will learn all about it tonight and you can try some this year. I want to do much more!
Yes- you speak the truth!!!
ME TOO!!! That's why I am loving this conversation.
A5: We did STEM challenges with fairy tales three pig structures to withstand wind, catapults, bridges, boats etc.
That's why we wanted to have this chat! We all wanted to learn more!
i love making lessons go "off topic" on purpose...i bring Google Images up on the smartboard &search for cool STEM
We do a lot of hands on work and experiments but have never put the STEM label
I'll have to try that! Great idea!!
Shhh... me too. That's why we're here. However, we probably incorporate STEM in ways we don't even realize.
A5: I've done STEM challenges like "Help Harry" or a Marshmallow tower. I'm dipping into incorporating makerspaces this year.
I like to incorporate literature and Engineering Challenges. Hosted Design Engineering Club after school
A5: started with blocks and Legos I scrounged up from a garage sale and index cards, scissors and miles of scotch tape. 1/2
thats the real key...find ways to add it sneaky...
like STEM & Tell...
A5 - My goal this year is to be more intentional in incorporating STEM into my classroom. Can't be hard to do.
I wish we were given materials and some quick and easy ideas
"Students gathered uncooked spaghetti, mini marshmallows, tape, and string, and set to work" https://t.co/GftnHfHNgI
lots of tape....everywhere
Great idea for organizing projects in progress! https://t.co/bjP8OolMt8
I find copy boxes make great places to hold in projects in progress. The lids keep it all safe and neat. :)
yes! Anytime Ss build, design, revise ideas- you're doing STEM
awesome way to connect STEM + ELA...it can be done!
https://t.co/UefASzrP9D
A5: We did STEM challenges with fairy tales three pig structures to withstand wind, catapults, bridges, boats etc.
We did these too! So fun!! I have a Makerspace for this year. I will have to take a picture.
A5: I use a Makerspace area w/ monthly projects&explorations Ss ❤️! Went great our first year! Legoes Rock! https://t.co/2F27k4YIYl
Chronicling 1st 2 yrs of sci & making. Titled 'Making on the Cheap and then Some '. Free.
A5: set aside 45 minutes on Fridays before dismissal to build and design. Read alouds to spark thoughts & did coding lessons.
Garage sales! one of best places to find STEM materials!
https://t.co/me4tm4m7Pz
A5: started with blocks and Legos I scrounged up from a garage sale and index cards, scissors and miles of scotch tape. 1/2
Yes, because I needed the hard work protected but out of sight when we weren't working on it. :)
nice...love when people dont just do but do
Being an ELA teacher, would LOVE to find some great resources for ideas!
A5: had great success with a free trial from Mystery Science.
You can do it! If you build it in from the beginning, it will stick. PLUS for great team building at the beg.
I would love to see! I'm trying to see how I can make it work in my classroom.
We LOVED Mystery Science. We are getting the subscription for our school this year.
Coding lessons at which grade? Would love to see examples of these!
many people forget there are Sciencey novels...
A6: I would like to incorporate it into every week if I can.
A6- how to add technology piece for k-2?
We explored all kinds of bridges, towers, shelters, etc. on the web, then built our own! Loved the Ss excitement!
love it! Thanks for the resource!
We loved this year and also got a subscription. My S loved the traveling seeds!!
every week? how about every day?
https://t.co/pRaMzALEJw
A6: I would like to incorporate it into every week if I can.
A6: I want to do something like a Fun Friday or a Celebrate Monday STEM activity each week!
A6: I already include in my classroom, but I'm always looking for the next step. I think it might be robots...
A6: team building, all subject areas...including religion. My wheels are turning...
A6: I wish my co-workers would also embrace STEM, so more Ss experience it
ask kids what Technology really is...its not just phones & computers...its anything that helps society...tables, chairs, etc
A6 (continued): at least I HOPE it's going to be robots! :-)
I always wish this but we just have to keep doing what we love and sharing ideas. Maybe they will join in!
I just hope my passion is contagious
So many ways. I love using the Explain Everything app to record, label, explain and for presenting!
A6: I'd like to have my Ss write more.
Look into Dash and Dot for programming
i take it upon myself to share articles, pics, videos, anything with my fellow teachers to help inspire them...
A6: I want to do more with the makerspace idea. I would love to incorporate STEM even more!
We discussed this in one of my summer training sessions. Thanks :-) https://t.co/hjdapBczx5
ask kids what Technology really is...its not just phones & computers...its anything that helps society...tables, chairs, etc
It is. Reach out those outside your school, in district or on twitter. You can team up with anyone with technology!
don't be scared to share with other Ts and let them visit your room and see your success.
more STEM more STEM more STEM!
cant you just hear the crowd cheering for more at the pep assembly?
I started with learning about Ada Lovelace. Great bio out now. Wonderful example of women in science.
I have-definitely on the short list! It's a good thing people don't just keep giving me $-I'd buy everything!
I wish more people would reach out and share resources so everyone can join
Have you seen new Lego WeDo? wifi. My old sets drive with Scratch.
A7: How about using ELA in STEM?
Me too! I think that "more" has to always be the goal with everything else we juggle.
A7: No brainer for me....STEM. They can learn ELA through it
yes! thats even my podcast name...STEM Everyday podcast.
if only once in a while then kids know its not important
That is what is so amazing about Twitter! We can share ideas w/ & we can find learn from each other!
A7: I'm going to have to go with the integration of the two is important!
A7: Why would one be more important than the other? Whole child.
A7- we note book and write about everything we do in science, so ELA is driven by STEM
I just found 12 set of the WeDo in our media. Trying to hunt down the software now!
me too...
try asking the math or science teachers in your MS/HS for ideas...they love to talk nerdy...
A6: It's all about incorporating the subjects together-ELA+STEM-it's the only way to find the time!!
A7: I think ELA and STEM can mix quite well!! Challenges can be based from a book, there is reading, writing, creating
Come find me...I'll help you. :)
A7:STEM! It's important to read, yes! Our students are not able to problem solve as well, because they are focusing on memorizing.
A7 There should be no debate. They need both and well. The real ? is how do we incorporate them both to the extent that they need?
I LOVE Creepy Carrots! I LOVE THIS IDEA!
A7: Neither! They must be literate to function in the world, but builds so many life skills- problem-solving, communicating.
The beauty of Twitter and Twitter chats!
A7...i always share the idea that "we tell parents to READ to their kids" but we need to say "do STEM with your kids too"
But reading is about problem solving as well! Can't have one without the other.
Loving this!! We read this book every year!
A7: I think we do too much teaching of content in isolation. As adults we don't have a set reading time, then math time, etc...
I think what a lot of kids miss out on now days is INTERACTION. In every sense of the word.
so instead of "Love and Marriage, love & marriage" we need to sing "STEM & reading, STEM & reading"
https://t.co/uMullsitJn
But reading is about problem solving as well! Can't have one without the other.
A great start with STEM is the Cardboard Challenge! Ss ❤️ and it fits cross the curriculum. Check it out! https://t.co/ZJw0LumB3z
A9: I don't think it matters. They are both the same thing in my mind. One just labels the art, the other is implied
A9 Is there a huge difference between STEAM and STEM? Remember...I'm a STEM newbie.
interaction is out, inspiration is out, too many standards & paperwork are in...
Such a great book by ! Not sure who loves Creepy Carrots more- me or my students.
A9- have not figured out how the A is incorporated. I integrate with the Art T on projects but I don't think they are STEAM
i need to buy a stem resources book
I know the A stands for ARTS but do you think people only think art as in painting, drawing etc...?
the A stands for Art. Kids draw their projects before building
So true. We need to teach with context and go with where the kids lead (mostly).
STEAM incorporates "Art" or "aesthetics"...
i always try to get kids to see the Beauty of math in my class
I am sure I love it more. It's one of my favorites.
I love when my Ss tell me about introducing to their parents. This year, I included in our Open House.
The closest I get is Ss drawing .png files on Google Draw and uploading into App Inventor.
HA! do they see that beauty?
how did you include stem in open house?
I couldn't agree more. Thank goodness we can teach social skills through PBL and .
yes they do! but it does take some training...thats why i'm there (not just for standards and paperwork)
A10: Could it be Lego Movie?
A9: I think STEAM is just trying to go further, integrating content, so that we really CAN do it all. But yes, I think art is impt.
nope, its not lego movie...but it is awesome STEM movie
A10: I'm going to have to go with something Star Trek. Do I need to pin it down to a specific movie?
A10: Blaze and the Monster Machines?
A10: modern family...they are always proving something
love back to the future...love to reference "1.21 gigawatts"...did you know that he says it "jiggawatts" on accident
Great choice! Who doesn't love Marty McFly and Doc Brown?
